This is what the kingdom of God is like:

Two teams meet on the playing field. Both teams play hard and the effort they exert is evident on their faces. The demands on the field take all their focus, energy, and concentration.

The first team is outscoring the second by an astronomical number. The second team is working together, playing hard and seems to be responding to coaching wired into to their helmets but it’s almost as if they don’t know the rules of the game.

The first team continues to dazzle the crowd. The second team seems almost unfazed at how far behind they have fallen by the half. After the half, the first team is surprised to find that some of their team-mates have actually joined the losing team. Shaking their heads at the foolishness of deserting the winning side they shrug and continue to play.They know that tiger’s blood flows in their veins and they are out to win.

During the second half of the game, the crowd, at first, seems to feel sorry for the second team and shouts directions to them or tries to give instruction. But by the middle of the third quarter, their pity has turned to mocking, laughter and derision. Some even throw beer cans and food. 

Near the end of the fourth quarter, the second team suddenly stops playing. They give out a unified cheer and walk off the field embracing one another and congratulating each teammate for a job well done.

The other team calls out to them. “Where are you going? We were just about to defeat you.”

A member of the second team turns back for just a moment. “Oh, we weren’t playing that game. Sorry, mate. The truth is, the game is over now and we are definitely on the winning side.”

“What do you mean? Where are you going?” The first team calls out.

“Off to celebrate with the best coach in the league.” They answer as they depart the field leaving the other team and the spectators behind.

End game.

“ Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18